Are you having trouble figuring out what you want to study, but you know that you are ready to attend an online degree program? There are some great reasons to pursue an Associate’s Degree in General Studies/Education. According to a recent 2020 statistic from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, graduates with an associate degree are more likely to find work than those with no college degree. They also earn, on a weekly average, $887 compared to an average weekly income of $746 of workers with only a high school diploma. An Associate’s Degree in General Studies/Education from one of these ten outstanding online schools will broaden one’s potential of employment and earnings. This type of program will explore different topics without forcing one to immediately settle on one specific major. It will also give the transferable credits necessary to enter into a bachelor’s degree making the next step toward higher education less time consuming and expensive.
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Best Online Schools for Associate in General Studies
Methodology
This list, noted in no particular order, was built according to criteria previously decided upon by the researcher/writer’s at OnlineSchoolsCenter.com, which included:
- An Associate of Arts, and Associate of Science, or an Associate of Applied Science in General Studies/Education,
- 100% online availability of coursework and academic resources, as well as access to professors and advisors,
- Retention rates no lower than 50%,
- Notability among top academic and statistical resources,
- And a flexible curriculum that provides options in coursework and learning activities.
For more information, please visit our Methodology Page.
COCHISE COLLEGE
AA or Associate of General Studies ONLINE
Program Standouts:
Cochise College provides students with two options to complete their General Studies Associates degree, which can be earned through either an Associate of Arts or an Associate of General Studies. The curriculum enhances skills in creativity, global perspectives, technological literacy, and communication. The array of coursework varies slightly for each path but remains just as flexible and easy to adjust. Cochise College has been perfecting its online programs since 1998 and today provide impeccable learning opportunities for distance education students.
Campus Location: Sierra Vista, AZ
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 62%
Graduation Rate: 25%
LEARN MORE ABOUT COCHISE COLLEGE’S ONLINE GENERAL STUDIES ASSOCIATE’S DEGREES
ARKANSAS NORTHEASTERN COLLEGE
online Associate of General Studies
Program Standouts:
In the Arkansas Northeastern College online Associate of General Studies, students have the option of majoring in one of five concentration tracks: Pre-Allied Health, Fine Arts/Performing Arts, Humanities/Social Sciences, Mathematics/Science, or Computer Technologies. These options will direct the flow of coursework in a direction in which the distance education student is interested, but does not want to commit to full major coursework in that area. The curriculum is designed with flexibility as a priority and assist in obtaining positions of employment or in enrolling in a bachelor’s program.
Campus Location: Blytheville, AR
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 62%
Graduation Rate: 29%
LEARN MORE ABOUT ARKANSAS NORTHEASTERN COLLEGE’S ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF GENERAL STUDIES DEGREE
CASPER COLLEGE
Online AA OR AS IN GENERAL STUDIES
Program Standouts:
Casper College’s excellent online Associate in General Studies programs give students the option to earn an Associate of Science or an Associate of Arts degree. The difference caries in the type of coursework within the curriculum. The Arts program focuses more on liberal arts and social sciences, while the Science program is geared more toward hard sciences and technical courses. Casper College is a very flexible online school that is dedicated to providing students with everything that they need to discover their passions.
Campus Location: Casper, WY
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 63%
Graduation Rate: 35%
LEARN MORE ABOUT CASPER COLLEGE’S ONLINE A.A. OR A.S. IN GENERAL STUDIES
COSSATOT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
online associates degree program in general studies
Program Standouts:
Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas provides an online Associate of General Studies that works well as a degree-completion program for students who already have several college credits. The degree is flexible and individualized, allowing each student to design the program to meet their needs with focuses in business or technical areas, for example. CCCUA works closely with Arkansas Tech University, where students often transfer to complete a bachelor’s degree. However, this degree is an excellent option for those who are transferring out of state, as well!
Campus Location: Queen, AR
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 61%
Graduation Rate: 41%
LEARN MORE ABOUT COSSATOT COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF GENERAL STUDIES DEGREE PROGRAM
MCNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY
online Associate’s in General and Basic Studies
Program Standouts:
McNeese State University’s affordable online Associate’s degrees are designed to allow students to learn at their own pace. The online Associate’s in General and Basic Studies also includes three concentration options in Applied and Natural Sciences, Arts and Humanities, or Behavioral Studies. These broad curricula still allow online students to explore the general education coursework, while also honing in on a specialization and career choice. With the help of excellent professors and superb advisors, students are guided toward academic success.
Campus Location: Lake Charles, LA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Acceptance Rate: 63.7%
Retention Rate: 66%
Graduation Rate: 43.2%
LEARN MORE ABOUT MCNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY’S ASSOCIATE OF GENERAL STUDIES DEGREE PROGRAM ONLINE
NORTHEAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE
AA DEGREE in general studies (GS) online
Program Standouts:
Northeast Community College’s online Associate of Arts Degree in General Studies is completed in tandem with Northeast advisors to establish an academic plan. The curriculum includes academic electives as well as occupational/vocational theory classes. The associate’s program is an excellent choice for students who have already completed courses fo their transcript, and for those who are just starting. This flexible program includes reasonable tuition rates and numerous resources.
Campus Location: Norfolk, NE
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 68%
Graduation Rate: 51%
LEARN MORE ABOUT NORTHEAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ONLINE ASSOCIATE’S IN GENERAL STUDIES
BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY IDAHO
as in general studies distance learning
Program Standouts:
Brigham Young University Idaho is well-known for its excellent online programs and the Associate’s degree in General Studies is no exception. Students in this program develop and enhance skills in time management, information retention, test-taking, critical thinking and problem solving, and communication through interactive learning experiences with professors and classmates. The credits satisfy requirements for enrollment in any bachelor’s program, and BYU Idaho also provides numerous undergraduate online degrees in specific areas, as well.
Campus Location: Rexburg, ID
Accreditation:
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 69%
Graduation Rate: 56%
LEARN MORE ABOUT BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY IDAHO’S ONLINE A.S. IN GENERAL STUDIES PROGRAM
NORTHWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY OF LOUSIANA
As a degree program in online general studies
Program Standouts:
In Northwestern State University of Louisiana’s online Associate of General Studies, students are assigned a personal advisor at the very beginning of their academic career. Their counselor stays in close contact in the guidance of their program so that the degree aligns as closely as possible to the student’s interests and career goals. The curriculum is tailored to such pursuits and gives a well-rounded approach through concentrations, specific courses, extra-curricular activities, and minor options. This is a comprehensive education and an outstanding entry into an online college experience.
Campus Location: Natchitoches, LA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Acceptance Rate: 61.8%
Retention Rate: 70%
Graduation Rate: 42.6%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NORTHWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA’S ASSOCIATE OF GENERAL STUDIES ONLINE PROGRAM
DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
online aa in gs degree programs
Program Standouts:
Dakota State University provides outstanding online degree programs and the Associate in General Studies that can be tailored to meet individual pursuits. There are numerous student clubs and actives that are available at a distance that can solidify skills learned inside and outside of the virtual classroom. Dakota State University integrates technology courses into the curriculum so that every student has a grasp of computers and utilizing various tools and platforms. Graduates are also knowledgeable in the Social Sciences and Fine Arts.
Campus Location: Madison, SD
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Retention Rate: 72%
Graduation Rate: 42%
LEARN MORE ABOUT DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE AA IN GENERAL STUDIES PROGRAM
BRANDMAN UNIVERSITY
aa in general education online
Program Standouts:
Brandman University designed its online AA in General Education to give distance education students a well-rounded approach to the degree with a full breadth of course options. The curriculum is also intended to develop students’ oral and written communication so that they can create and defend sound arguments. Those who wish to earn enough credits for transfer to a different school of their choice can enroll in the Brandman Track, which is four courses (12 credits), and enough to do so.
Campus Location: Irvine, CA
Accreditation:
- Western Association of Colleges and Schools
Acceptance Rate: 73.2%
Retention Rate: 70%
Graduation Rate: 82%
LEARN MORE ABOUT BRANDMAN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE AA DEGREE IN GENERAL EDUCATION
With an Associate’s in General Studies/Education, you will have the necessary credits to transfer to an undergraduate institution, as well as the training and credentials to obtain positions of employment with more responsibility and higher pay. Find your passions and drive in one of OnlineSchoolsCenter.com’s list of the ten best online schools for this type of degree and start your career today!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why should I earn an Associate’s Degree in General Studies when I could just enter into a Bachelor’s Degree right away?
That depends entirely on your own approach to both your professional and academic careers. Earning a Bachelor’s Degree is much more time consuming and requires you to choose a major in a particular area. If you know what you want to study already and can handle the course-load for a longer period of time, then, by all means, enter directly into a Bachelor’s Degree. However, if you are unsure what it is you want to study or do, but you know that you want some upper-level credentials and schooling, an Associate’s Degree in General Studies is a great option. It allows you to explore and satisfy all of your general education credits while figuring out your fundamental likes and dislikes simultaneously. Then, you can either enter the workforce or an online Bachelor’s Degree and focus entirely on a particular area of interest and take only major-related coursework.
If I am only earning General Education credits, how does that help me get a better job?
Excellent question! The coursework in an Associate of General Education allows you to navigate through many different departments and disciplines to figure out what you like. It also will most often allow you to focus on such coursework in a particular area so that you have a more specific skill-set that can be applied to positions such as general manager, technical writer, and executive assistant. Remember that an Associate in General Education in more of a jumping-off point to eventually earning a higher degree. It allows you more pace and exploration of topics. If your goal is to simply get a better job, maybe a trade degree or a bachelor’s-to-master’s degree would be more in line with your pursuits.
Will I have to go on to a Bachelor’s Degree when I am finished with my Associate in General Studies?
It would be prudent to do so, yes. Of course, you are by no means required to earn a Bachelor’s Degree, but an Associate in General Studies is designed to give you the transfer credits needed to enter into a 4-year institution. The great thing about this Associate’s Degree is that it gives you an idea of your goals and interests while taking care of all of the general education credits that might weigh you down in the future! As we said above, think of it more like a springboard to get to the next level of your career.